The UAE has won the bid to host the World Conservation Congress of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) submitted the bid on behalf of Abu Dhabi and the UAE government.
The results were announced on May 25, following approval of the IUCN’s bid evaluation committee recommendations to the IUCN Governing Council at its meeting held in Gland, Switzerland from May 23rd-25th 2023. The IUCN Council is chaired by the president and consists of elected members from across all the regions as well as a Chair of Commissions and is the body responsible for the oversight and general control of all IUCN affairs.
The successful bid to host the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2025 further reaffirms the UAE and its leadership’s commitment to environmental conservation, climate change action and sustainability. Abu Dhabi continues to be at the forefront of nature conservation by building strong relations with key international environmental organisations such as the IUCN. The agency’s Managing Director, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, is the current President of the IUCN, while the EAD’s Secretary-General, Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, is a Global Councillor.
The next IUCN World Conservation Congress will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in 2025.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of EAD, said, “Winning the bid to host the IUCN Congress in 2025 is significant and a reflection of the vision of our President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It will be an opportunity to showcase UAE’s conservation leadership in protecting and restoring endangered species, both in the country and globally.
Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, affirmed that the selection of Abu Dhabi as the host city for the 2025 International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conference is another honour added to the UAE’s record full of accomplishments, particularly in the field of environmental, natural, and climate preservation, during the Year of Sustainability.
Almheiri said, “Since its inception, the UAE has prioritised environmental conservation and has made tremendous local and international efforts to enhance biodiversity and protect endangered species. Hosting this conference is a crowning achievement for the UAE and underscores our leading global status in taking on larger responsibilities in these areas. Our role as host of this year’s Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) reiterates the UAE’s influential position as a leading global partner in steering efforts to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our times – climate change, environmental preservation, and the prevention of natural resource wastage.
Established in 1948, IUCN has evolved into the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. Today the organisation is well known for its knowledge products, such as the Red List of Species, Red List of Ecosystems, Key Biodiversity Areas and the Green Lists which are widely used in setting conservation priorities for threatened species, ecosystems and in identification of important areas for protection.
Dubai continues to attract professionals, families, and digital nomads seeking long-term apartment rentals, thanks to its strong economy, modern lifestyle, and world-class infrastructure.
However, for newcomers, finding the right apartment that fits both budget and lifestyle can feel overwhelming.
Here are some of the top areas in Dubai for long-term rentals, based on tenant preferences, amenities, and rental trends:
Think luxury
Dubai Marina Still one of the most in-demand expat hubs, prices vary a lot by tower, view, and furnishing. Typical rents: Studio: Dh55,000 – 110,000 1BR: Dh75,000 – 135,000 2BR: Dh110,000 – 200,000 3BR: Dh200,000 – 350,000
Market note: Median rent sits around Dh130,000 across unit types Waterfront views and newer towers push prices to the top end.
Palm Jumeirah (Palm Islands) This is a completely different tier—think luxury, beachfront, and limited supply. Typical annual rents: 1BR (apartments): Dh 140,000 – 200,000 2BR: Dh 250,000 – 350,000 3BR apartments: Dh 500,000 – 700,000
Best for families with quality living
Dubai Hills Estate: Green, peaceful, and family-focused. Popular for expat families, with top schools and long-term tenant stability.
Typical rents:
1BR: Dh80,000–120,000
2BR: Dh130,000–190,000
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): Affordable, community-driven living with parks and strong rental yields. Ideal for families seeking quiet suburban life.
Typical rents:
Studio: Dh45,000–65,000
1BR: Dh65,000–95,000
Best for professionals and city life
Business Bay: A central business hub with high demand, perfect for young professionals and entrepreneurs.
Typical rents:
Studio: Dh60,000–85,000
1BR: Dh85,000–130,000
Downtown Dubai: Premium urban lifestyle near offices, dining, and entertainment.
1BR: Dh110,000–180,000
2BR: Dh180,000–280,000
Dubai Marina: Vibrant waterfront living with high-rise apartments and strong rental appeal.
Studio: Dh70,000–95,000
1BR: Dh95,000–140,000
Best for affordable rentals and value
A practical choice for professionals working in tech or nearby zones. Known for quieter living and relatively lower rents.
International City Remains one of Dubai’s most budget-friendly areas, popular for first-time expats or singles. Typical rents:
Studio: Dh30,000–45,000
1BR: Dh45,000–65,000
Al Barsha Well-connected (especially via metro) and still offers decent value compared to newer developments. Typical rents:
1BR: Dh70,000–100,000
2BR: Dh100,000–150,000
Discovery Gardens
This is firmly in the ‘affordable but spacious’ category. This neighbourhood is popular with expats who want bigger apartments without Marina-level prices.
Typical annual rents:
Studio: Dh 30,000 – 55,000
1BR: Dh45,000 – 72,000
2BR: Dh65,000 – 110,000
3BR: Dh90,000 – 120,000
Market reality:
Average rents sit around Dh 54,000 – 68,000/year, depending on unit type
Studios start at Dh 47,000, while 2BR units can go up to Dh 110,000
Still one of the best ‘space-for-money’ areas in Dubai, with larger layouts than newer buildings
How it compares
Discovery Gardens: Budget-friendly + bigger units + metro access
Cheaper than JVC and much cheaper than Dubai Marina
Trade-off: Older buildings + less ‘premium’ feel
For expats prioritising affordability, older central neighbourhoods such as Al Karama, Bur Dubai, and Deira continue to offer relatively lower rents compared to newer communities.
On the fringe
Further savings can be found in areas like Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, and outer residential zones, where rents are more accessible, but often at the cost of longer commute times and fewer modern amenities.
Typical budget range (older areas):
Studio: Dh28,000–50,000
1BR: Dh45,000–75,000
Why Dubai is still ideal for long-term rentals
Flexible payment options (1–4 cheques or annual upfront)
High-quality amenities (gyms, pools, parking in most buildings)
Strong, expat-driven rental market
Wide mix of luxury, mid-range, and budget communities
How to choose if you’re new to the city
With rising rents, the decision often comes down to trade-offs:
Want energy and convenience? – Business Bay, Downtown, Marina
Want space and community living? – Dubai Hills, JVC
Want affordability? – Silicon Oasis, International City, Deira
In 2026, several residents are compromising on location to gain space or save 15–25% on rent, especially with hybrid work becoming common.
Paid parking has officially been rolled out in new sectors of Musaffah, as Q Mobility activates Phase 2 of its smart parking expansion plan.
Under the oversight of the Integrated Transport Centre, part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the move aims to ease congestion, improve traffic flow, and streamline urban mobility.
New paid parking zones in Musaffah
Sectors now covered include:
M7, M8, M9, M14, M15
Over 10,000 parking spaces activated
Dedicated bays for People of Determination
Parking fees & easy payment options
Standard parking: Dh2 per hour
Pay via:
Darb
TAMM
SMS & parking machines
Musaffah, a key industrial and commercial hub, faces heavy daily traffic. The new system is designed to:
Reduce parking chaos
Improve vehicle movement
Support safer roads
Enhance business accessibility
Authorities urge drivers to follow parking rules and use official payment channels to avoid fines.
Abu Dhabi renames toll gates
Meanwhile, drivers in Abu Dhabi will now notice clearer, location-based names for toll gates, as authorities rename all four Darb toll system gates to improve navigation across the capital.
The update is part of efforts to simplify road travel and help motorists better identify routes without confusion.
In a move set to make everyday shopping easier, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced a new digital tool that lets residents compare prices of essential goods across major retailers.
Called the Essential Goods Prices Platform, the initiative is designed to boost transparency and help shoppers find the best deals on daily essentials.
What you can check
The platform covers more than 30 essential items in its first phase, including:
Cooking oils, rice, sugar, and bread
Eggs, dairy products, meat, poultry, and fish
Fresh fruits and vegetables
It gives users a clear snapshot of price ranges across supermarkets, making it easier to spot where your money goes further.
How it works
Prices are updated daily from major retailers
Users can compare minimum and maximum prices
Track differences between stores and locations
Build a custom shopping basket to find the cheapest option
It’s essentially like having a real-time price comparison tool before you even step into a store.
With the cost of living always a concern, this platform puts more control directly in the hands of consumers.
It helps:
Save money on weekly groceries
Promote fair competition among retailers
Prevent unjustified price increases
By making pricing more transparent, the UAE is aiming to protect consumer spending while keeping the retail market balanced.
This launch builds on ongoing efforts by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism to monitor essential goods and ensure price stability.
Now, instead of that data staying behind the scenes, it’s being shared openly, giving residents the power to make smarter, more informed shopping decisions.